When searching for the perfect neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Popular Gray SW 6071 and Agreeable Gray SW 7029 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle neutrals?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll analyze Popular Gray vs Agreeable Gray to help you determine the ideal neutral paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray
Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray:
- Undertones – Popular Gray is a cool gray, Agreeable Gray is a warm beige-gray
- Light Reflectance – Popular Gray has an LRV of 61, Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60
- Use – Popular Gray suits modern styles, Agreeable Gray fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Popular Gray excels in kitchens, Agreeable Gray shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Popular Gray SW 6071
With its subtle cool gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Popular Gray SW 6071 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Popular Gray:
- LRV: 61
- Undertones: Cool gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, offices, accent walls
- Pairs Well With: Blues, bold colors, black and white
Popular Gray is a quiet, dusty blue-gray with a hint of green undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral gray appearance.
The 61 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Popular Gray gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Popular Gray color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Black and white patterns
- Matte black accents
- Navy blue and sage green accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Popular Gray truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Offices
- Accent walls
- Entryways
Popular Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
With its warm beige-gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Agreeable Gray:
- LRV: 60
- Undertones: Warm beige-gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Blues, blacks, wood tones
Agreeable Gray is a relaxed, soft beige-influenced gray with faint tan undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered mushroom. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.
The 60 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or drab. Agreeable Gray strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.
This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Agreeable Gray color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Walnut wood finishes
- White trim
While suitable anywhere at home, Agreeable Gray truly excels in these spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Agreeable Gray’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.
Comparing Popular Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Now that we’ve examined Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray have very similar LRVs of 61 and 60 respectively. They will appear nearly identical in terms of brightness.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Popular Gray is a cool gray, while Agreeable Gray is a warm, beige-influenced neutral.
Use & Rooms
Popular Gray’s coolness excels in modern kitchens and baths. Agreeable Gray’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.
Availability
Both Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
| Paint Color | Popular Gray SW 6071 | Agreeable Gray SW 7029 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 61 | 60 |
| Undertones | Cool gray | Warm beige-gray |
| Use | Modern spaces | Traditional rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Contemporary | Traditional |
Real-Life Photos: Popular Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray:
Sherwin Williams Popular Gray
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
While they can overlap, Popular Gray generally appears crisper and cooler than the warm beige tone of Agreeable Gray. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Popular Gray or Agreeable Gray?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Popular Gray or Agreeable Gray for your home? Here are some tips:
Choose Popular Gray SW 6071 if you want:
- A cool, crisp gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow bold accent colors to pop
Choose Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:
- A warm, beige-influenced gray
- A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, welcoming backdrop
Get samples of both Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful neutral tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Popular Gray
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Offices
- Accent walls
- Entryways
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
While both neutrals work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Popular Gray SW 6071 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
- Black and white patterns
- Matte black accents
- Navy blue and sage green accents
Agreeable Gray SW 7029 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Walnut wood finishes
- White trim
Popular Gray vs Agreeable Gray – Which is Better?
So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Popular Gray or Agreeable Gray?
Consider Popular Gray SW 6071 if you want:
- A cool, crisp gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow bold accent colors to pop
Consider Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:
- A warm, beige-influenced gray
- A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, welcoming backdrop
While Popular Gray offers modern crispness, Agreeable Gray provides subtle warm character.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams neutral you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Popular Gray or Agreeable Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Popular Gray and Agreeable Gray?
The main differences are their undertones. Popular Gray is a cool crisp gray while Agreeable Gray is a warm, cozy beige-gray.
What colors complement Popular Gray?
Popular Gray looks beautiful paired with deeper blues, blacks, whites, and wood tones for nice contrast.
Can you use Agreeable Gray in a bathroom?
Yes, Agreeable Gray’s warm yet sophisticated tone would work very nicely in a bathroom paired with white tile and black accents.
Is Popular Gray suitable for low light rooms?
Popular Gray’s LRV of 61 provides enough brightness for a north facing room without appearing too dark.
Does Agreeable Gray come in flat finish?
Yes, Agreeable Gray is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to semi-gloss.
